Simple Things
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A Chance Encounter

It all started with a surf trip in western Ireland. Shane, who was a banker, and Breezy, an art director, stumbled upon an alpaca farm there. They quickly discovered how exceptionally soft, warm, and durable alpaca hair is. Going out on a limb, they traveled to the alpacas’ native South America and met with local farmers and weavers. “On our first trip to Peru we were wowed by the fantastic quality of the fabric and their weaving heritage,” Shane says.

The Artisan's Touch

They work closely with artisans to create their vibrant alpaca accessories. “The wealth of natural dyes available in Peru is amazing,” Shane says. And they’re keen on incorporating it in their designs. “We produce a ‘flag,’ which is a trial weave that blends every color combination we’ve selected, showing us what works and what does not.”

Color and Comfort

The throws and scarves are coveted for their comfort and colors. “There are 22 natural shades of alpaca wool, and we always include a range,” Shane says. “In our herringbone collection, we used a very light, natural [undyed] shade of gray.” And there’s an in-house expert who attests to the softness of the goods. “Our two-year-old boy puts it best. When looking for some extra comfort in his cot, he simply says, ‘I want special.’”

Photos courtesy of Simple Things

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